Following the hugely successful Wildlife Photography Competition held in 2023, Cornwall Wildlife Trust has announced that it is returning for a second year. The competition was a first of its kind for the charity and saw an overwhelming number of entries showcasing Cornwall’s magnificent biodiversity. This year is sure to attract a lot of interest from experienced and budding photographers alike! 

The event is much more than just a competition. It aims to inspire people to support the charity’s mission to protect Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places for future generations. The stunning images taken by people from across Cornwall will serve as powerful tools for education and advocacy, and to celebrate a deep connection between people and nature. 

Enter the 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition

Cheryl continues, "We are really grateful to South West Optics, Wildanet, and Classic Cottages for sponsoring this competition, as without their support it could not take place. There are still some sponsorship opportunities available for the competition so if you are a business looking to get involved, we would love to hear from you. I’d also like to thank the judges - Laura Snell, Adrian Langdon, Karin Aldridge and Claire Ireland - who have offered their time and expertise to select the finalists of the competition.”  

This year’s categories have been refreshed to provide photographers with plenty of opportunity to be creative when capturing their perspective of Cornwall’s wildlife. Each category will have one winner selected and four runners up: 

Feathered Friends is sponsored by South West Optics and honours the array of stunning bird species that Cornwall is home to, each with its own unique behaviour and beauty. This category is all about showing off the graceful, and somewhat dramatic, lives of birds existing in their natural habitat. Photographs can be of birds in flight, hunting, on the ground, or taking care of their vibrant plumage. 

Ocean Wonders celebrates the spectacular biodiversity found in Cornwall’s coastal and underwater environment. Photographers are encouraged to capture everything from majestic sea creatures to intricate details of tidal pools. 

Micro Marvels delves into the world of tiny creatures and intricate details. Macro photography brings small subjects into sharp focus, revealing the incredible complexity and beauty of insects, arachnids, fungi, and other minute wonders of nature. This category challenges photographers to explore and highlight the fascinating microcosms that are usually hidden from the naked eye. 

Terrestrial Treasures, sponsored by Wildanet, showcases the diverse landscapes and land-dwelling wildlife of Cornwall across its rich variety of habitats. From woodlands and meadows, to moors and cliffs, this category is all about bringing the natural world on land to life through compelling imagery.  

Nature’s Comedy is set to be a crowd pleaser as it seeks to capture the humorous side of nature. Whether it’s animals in funny poses, quirky behaviours caught on camera, or an unexpected interaction, this light-hearted category celebrates the joy and laughter that nature can bring.  

Young Photographer, sponsored by Classic Cottages. Cornwall Wildlife Trust wants to encourage and inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts and photographers. This category is open to under 18s only, allowing young talent to shine and bring a fresh perspective when it comes to capturing the natural world. Photos can be from any of the categories above, and the winner will be awarded the title ‘Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Young Photographer of the Year 2024’. 

Those who make it to the final round will not only have their photography exhibited at Truro Cathedral but will also be entered into the People’s Choice Award. This gives everyone a voice to celebrate the wonder of Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places by offering the public the chance to vote for their favourite photograph. 

Whether you have a professional camera or want to take some snaps with your phone, the competition is welcoming entries from people of all abilities.   

The competition is open to entries until 23:59 (GMT+1) on Saturday 31st August 2024. Finalists will be announced by 17th September 2024 following a judging panel of top local wildlife and photography experts that include Laura Snell, Adrian Langdon, Karin Aldridge and Claire Ireland.  

All images submitted must be taken in Cornwall, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust urges all photographers to take all reasonable care to not disturb the wildlife and local environment in their pursuit of images. The welfare of the wildlife subject of any photograph is of greater importance than the photograph itself.